AP file photoMark DeRosa will apparently be the Indians' new third baseman in 2009.

The Cleveland Indians will begin the New Year with a new third baseman.

The Indians announced this afternoon at 1:30 that they have acquired infielder Mark DeRosa from the Chicago Cubs for minor-league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub.

DeRosa, who played six different positions for the Cubs last season, is expected to play third base for the Indians. If that holds true, Jhonny Peralta will stay at shortstop and Asdrubal Cabrera will stay at second base. Last season, DeRosa, 33, batted .285 for the Cubs with 21 home runs and 87 runs batted in. He scored 103 runs.

DeRosa, who apparently is the missing piece to the Indians' infield situation, could bat second in the lineup.

As to why the Indians would put DeRosa at third when he spent most of his time at second base last season, a source close to the club said it would cause the least disruption. The source also said the Indians preferred to keep Peralta at short rather than move him to third. Peralta did play third base this winter in the Dominican Republic.

Stevens is the only pitcher the Indians gave up who is on the team's 40-man roster. Last season, Stevens went 5-1 for the Class AA Akron Aeros and 0-3 with Class AAA Buffalo. The 25-year-old has a career earned-run average of 3.52 during his four seasons in the minor leagues.

Archer, 20, had a 4.29 ERA last season while going 4-8 with the Class A Lake County Captains. He has played three seasons in the Indians' farm system.

Gaub, 23, also pitched for the Captains, going 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA.

DeRosa will make $5.5 million in 2009. Under terms of his contract, which expires after the 2009 season, he receives a $50,000 bonus for being traded. He'll be eligible for free agency after next season.

Among big league second basemen last season, DeRosa ranked third with a .376 on base percentage behind Philadelphia's Chase Utley at .380 and Baltimore's Brian Roberts at .378.

Besides playing 95 games at second, DeRosa appeared in 38 games in right field, 27 games in left field, 22 games at third base and 10 games each at first and shortstop. A source close to the Cubs said third base is his best defensive position.

"The acquisition of Mark DeRosa gives our club an experienced, high character infielder who complements our team perfectly with his professional, right-handed bat and defensive versatility," said GM Mark Shapiro.

The Cubs are a busy team. Before sending DeRosa to the Tribe, they signed infielder Aaron Miles today to a two-year $4.9 million deal to take DeRosa's spot at second base. They are also in negotiations with free agent Milton Bradley and in the process of trading right-hander Jason Marquis to Colorado.

Besides redoing their roster, the Cubs have played a big role in Shapiro's remodeling of the Indians this offseason. He signed former Cubs closer Kerry Wood just after the winter meetings to a two-year $20.5 million contract.

DeRosa could join new teammate Grady Sizemore on Team USA for the World Baseball Classic that begins in March. They have both accepted invitations to represent their country in the 16-team tournament.

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